My high school photo pals argued about Canon v. Nikon – this was 1974. His Nikkormat ftn had a split image on the grounded glass and my Canon FTb had some kind of grain thingy that broke up the image (not sure what the heck it was called). Of course quarreling was nonsense and still is except to camera makers Canon and Nikon.

My photo gear budget is the largest line item every year; mention the cost of one camera to a friend in passing and they look at you like your some kind of idiot. The jury’s still out on that one.

Saying that gear doesn’t matter isn’t completely accurate since context is key. A photographer who’s hired to get the best shot for any set, scene or circumstance needs the right tools. No revelation that.

But here’s the big deal: restrictions are good. Working within a box is good. Read The Houdini Solution by Ernie Schenck. Having something to push against creatively is necessary.

A bad creative challenge: “take your camera with you today and shoot something.”

A better creative Challenge: “exactly 2 miles into your commute home today, stop the car the first safe place you find. Get out, and within 15 minutes take the best shot you can find.”

The second has a tighter box than the first. While the first may have higher potential because of the unlimited canvas, the second is a stronger creative challenge with a greater learning potential, a better chance for a less casual approach, and – because of that – likely to produce a better result.

Check out “Apple of My Eye” a short film shot and edited on the iPhone 4 by Michael Koerbel and crew. It’s followed by “behind the scenes” footage.

What is accurate is that a great story, a great photograph, a great piece of art has nothing to do with gear – necessarily. Don’t believe it? How then was Ansel Adams not crippled because he didn’t have the latest digital wonder camera? Or … how can you shoot a good story on a ef’ing iPhone?

You want to see more or enter a creative challenge? Try the iOscars [I have not read the terms on copyright so you might want to do that first].

Shot and edited entirely on the iPhone 4 / iMovie App (in 48 hours).

Directed by Michael Koerbel
Produced by Eric Edmonds and Rebekah Koerbel
Written by Anna Elizabeth James and Michael Koerbel
Photographed by Michael Koerbel
Edited by Anna Elizabeth James
Production Design by Leigh Koerbel
Original Score Composed and Conducted by Corey Wallace